My Day: Blacks in Construction

At last, the mighty, mighty Trinity River Project is unfolding right before our eyes in the Dallas Downtown area and the whole world is watching.  It is indeed a beautiful sight. . . a bit cumbersome, but nevertheless it is a resounding image of massive progress in a city where we all love and call home.

Who are these construction companies?  Are any black owned businesses involved?  What role are they playing in this one of the largest public works concerts in the nation?  As I travel, I notice that every airport in the nation is under construction and/or enhancement.  High ranging cranes tower over our major cities with noticeable grandeur and grace.  A lot of going on everywhere. And please, do not miss, the happening on the “bullet high speed train”, boasting a 90 minute train ride between Houston and Dallas.  But, are any of these constructions sites owned by African Americans?

We are famously acquainted with the H. J. Russell Construction Company, based out of Atlanta. Another second generation black owned construction company is Mogul Mamon Powers, Jr., Power & Sons Construction.  Margaret Gamer, President of Broadway Consolidated Companies, is the first African American female-owned construction firm to build a Walmart Store. As a speaker at the 2020 Vision Black Enterprise Economic Forum, she shared insight on “What Obama Can Do For Black Business”.  Rising stars of younger entrepreneurs are Frank Kendrick and Tim Jackson of Nujak Construction.

John Proctor and the Regional Black Contractors Association(BCA) opened their new spacious offices on Martin Luther King Blvd in November, 2015.  The open house welcomed builders from several states.

Look, America, the BCA is opened for business.  What perfect timing.   At www.rbca.com, the black contractors offer training in bonding, finance, assistance with qualifications and all major components of construction.  Under this umbrella falls a litany of services, i.e., inspections, architecture, rebarring, engineering, trucking, concrete and a wealth of experience.

Coming up:  “An American Morning with John Proctor, President, Coverall Management & Association and Chairman of the Board, Regional Black Contractors Association.  It’s all happening in Dallas.

Ester Davis can be reached at 214.376.9000 or www.esterday.com. Watch us now on BPNTV (Black Premier Network, Dallas) and Star TV, Jacksonville.